By Press Release
Young entrepreneurs were quizzed on their latest ventures by local business professionals as part of the IW grand final of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, held in the Minghella Theatre at Quay Arts in Newport on Tuesday.
Seven student teams from Island schools and colleges have been competing since September to win the overall title of Best Company.
Over the course of the academic year, each student team has devised and launched a business, then seen it develop into a proper trading company, supported and guided by a business mentor. The teams have taken on challenges like Dragons Den, to win cash funding from a panel of Island business leaders. The teams have also taken on retail trading opportunities. Their business ideas ranged from app development, jewellery made from sea glass and scented candles.
The grand final was the last hurdle for the teams. After manning a trade stand, the teams presented their business report to a packed theatre. Awards were made to teams that delivered best on presentation, sustainability, marketing, teamwork, alongside the best overall award.
Head judge, Jamie Busby, said “The standard of the competition has stepped up year on year, with lots of creative business ideas that have proven to be commercially solid with opportunities for real growth.”
Wisteria from Ryde Academy picked up the top honour as best company and the marketing award for their subscription box for girls and women during their periods. Seacycle from Christ the King College gave the best presentation. Clouds of Ventnor from St Catherine’s College won the team journey award and Truly Retro from the Isle of Wight College, demonstrated the strongest approach to sustainability.
The top four teams from Ryde Academy, Isle of Wight College, St Catherine’s College and Carisbrooke College now go forward to the Hampshire and IW final.
Pictured: Ruby Hawarth (15), business mentor – Sandra Knowles and Elsie May-Portsmouth (14) – The App developers
Tilly Walder 
Mal Butler